When you think of iconic guitars, names like the Fender Stratocaster or Gibson Les Paul probably come to mind. But tucked away in the colorful corners of pop culture is an unlikely contender: the Hello Kitty guitar. What began as a novelty item aimed at young girls unexpectedly became a beloved instrument with a cult following — and, surprisingly, even serious musicians have embraced it.
In this article, we’re going to unpack the fascinating backstory of the Hello Kitty guitar, how it came to exist, why it gained popularity, and what it represents today in both the guitar world and pop culture.
Hello Kitty: The Global Icon
To understand the origin of the Hello Kitty guitar, we have to start with the character herself.
Hello Kitty was created in 1974 by Sanrio, a Japanese company known for its wide range of cute (or kawaii) characters and merchandise. Designed by Yuko Shimizu (not to be confused with the manga artist of the same name), Hello Kitty was introduced as a white bobtail cat with a red bow and no mouth. She was meant to represent friendship, kindness, and global appeal — a character anyone could project their emotions onto.
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Hello Kitty wasn’t just a children’s character. She had crossed over into teen and adult markets, appearing on everything from backpacks to kitchen appliances, and even clothing lines for celebrities.
The Fender-Sanrio Collaboration
The Hello Kitty guitar was born from an unexpected collaboration between Fender and Sanrio in the early 2000s. Fender, one of the world’s most respected electric guitar manufacturers, is behind legendary models like the Stratocaster and Telecaster. Partnering with Sanrio was, at the time, a bold and slightly controversial move — but one that would prove to be surprisingly successful.
The Launch Year: 2005
In 2005, Fender's budget brand Squier launched a series of Hello Kitty-themed electric guitars and basses. The primary model was the Hello Kitty Squier Stratocaster, aimed at children and beginners, particularly girls.
The collaboration was officially marketed as Squier by Fender Hello Kitty Stratocaster, and the guitars were available in three main variants:
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Pink Hello Kitty Mini Stratocaster
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Daphne Blue Hello Kitty Stratocaster
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Black Hello Kitty Bass
Each model featured Hello Kitty’s signature face on the pickguard or body, with color schemes that aligned with the character’s branding. While it was marketed primarily as a toy or beginner guitar, it was far from a cheap, plastic instrument. These were genuine playable guitars built to Squier’s standards.
A Gimmick — Or a Genius Move?
Initially, the Hello Kitty guitar was seen as a novelty — a cute, kitschy product meant for kids or collectors. But as the internet got its hands on it, everything changed.
Build Quality and Specs
Despite its playful design, the Hello Kitty Squier was well-built. It featured:
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A basswood body
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A maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
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A single humbucker pickup in the bridge position
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Simple volume control
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21 medium frets
These specs made it more than a toy. The humbucker gave it a surprisingly powerful tone — ideal for rock and punk — and the neck was comfortable even for adults.
As word spread that this “kids’ guitar” actually played well, more musicians began to experiment with it.
The Memeification and Viral Popularity
Around the late 2000s, the internet was in full swing, and forums like Reddit, Harmony Central, and Ultimate Guitar began featuring threads about the Hello Kitty guitar. What started as ironic posts soon turned into genuine interest.
YouTubers and musicians began posting covers and demos using the guitar, often in humorous contrast to its appearance. It became a recurring joke in gear circles: “Don’t underestimate the Hello Kitty guitar.”
But the irony was only part of the story. The more people played it, the more they realized it was a decent instrument — especially when modded.
Musicians Who Made It Cool
Though initially seen as a toy, several professional musicians have played — and in some cases, performed live with — Hello Kitty guitars.
1. Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Yes, that Dave Navarro. Known for his dark aesthetic and intense guitar playing, Navarro raised eyebrows when he posted photos of himself playing a Hello Kitty Strat. It wasn’t a joke — he was seriously jamming on it, proving the guitar’s playability.
2. Marc Hudson (DragonForce)
In a 2016 show, Marc Hudson used a Hello Kitty Strat live on stage, much to the crowd’s delight. It was both hilarious and badass — a high-octane power metal band using a cartoon guitar in a sea of flying hair and shredding solos.
3. Jared Dines (YouTube Guitarist)
Jared Dines, known for his humorous and technically skilled videos, frequently showcased the Hello Kitty guitar. In one video, he recorded full metal and rock tracks using only the Hello Kitty Strat — and they sounded surprisingly solid.
Why Did It Work?
The Hello Kitty guitar was successful for reasons that no one quite expected:
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It Played Well: Despite being aimed at kids, it was a real instrument — not a toy.
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It Was Unique: Its eye-catching design made it stand out, especially on stage or in videos.
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It Became a Statement: Playing a pink cartoon guitar in a serious setting became a form of rebellion — ironic, cool, and even empowering.
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It Bridged Demographics: It appealed to collectors, beginners, young girls, experienced players, and meme-loving internet users alike.
Discontinuation and Cult Status
Despite its popularity, the Hello Kitty guitar was discontinued by Fender around 2014–2015. There was no official statement on why, but speculation includes:
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The initial novelty market had dried up
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Licensing agreements between Sanrio and Fender may have ended
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Fender wanted to refocus on more serious or traditional instruments
But like many cult items, discontinuation only added to its mystique. The resale value began to climb, and original Hello Kitty Squier guitars now go for $400–$600 USD or more on the used market, especially if in mint condition.
The Modding Community
Another surprising development was how much the Hello Kitty guitar inspired DIY modders. Musicians began upgrading them by:
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Adding better pickups (Seymour Duncan or EMGs)
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Installing locking tuners
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Customizing the wiring
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Swapping the pickguard or changing the neck
These mods turned a beginner-friendly guitar into a stage-ready axe, often with stunning results.
The Feminist Angle
Some have also viewed the Hello Kitty guitar as a step forward in gender inclusivity. The guitar world — particularly rock and metal — has long been male-dominated, and many young girls felt alienated from the traditionally masculine designs and colors.
Offering a fun, feminine option helped welcome a wider audience into guitar playing, even if unintentionally. While some critics called it “patronizing,” others argued that giving kids — especially girls — an accessible and cute guitar wasn’t limiting; it was inviting.
Is It Coming Back?
There have been rumors over the years of a Hello Kitty guitar reissue. In 2020, some mockups and custom designs went viral again, prompting speculation. As of now, Fender has not re-released the guitar, but the demand is still strong.
In 2022, Squier did release several colorful and youth-focused models, such as the Sonic Series and Mini Strat line, but nothing with the Sanrio branding.
However, custom builders and Etsy sellers continue to make Hello Kitty-themed parts and guitars, keeping the spirit alive.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Joke
The Hello Kitty guitar may have started as a gimmick, but it’s become so much more. It’s:
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A playable, modifiable, and surprisingly good instrument
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A statement of individuality and humor in a sometimes too-serious guitar world
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A symbol of pop culture blending with music
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A collector’s item with rising value
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A reminder that music is for everyone — no matter your age, gender, or aesthetic
Whether you see it as cute, hilarious, or genuinely cool, there’s no denying that the Hello Kitty guitar has carved out a unique spot in music history. And for an instrument that started as a joke — that’s no small feat.
